Features on Canada's dollar
coin, the loon is large diving bird that lives in either fresh or salt
water. Loons feed mainly on fins which they catch by swimming underwater -
sometimes down to depths of 70 metres. By compressing their plumage to
release air and by forcing air from their lungs, loons are able to ride
low in the water with only their bills and eyes above the surface.
Positioned far back on their bodies, loons' legs are strong water
propellers, but they make walking on land awkward. Though they are
strong flyers, foons cannot take off from land and must make running
starts across the water surface to build speed. Most loons come ashore
only for nesting. The common loon is the second largest species of loon
in Canada and is characterized by its large size and sharply pointed
bill unlike that ducks, geese or swans.
Environment Canada
Wikipedia
Canadian Wildlife Service
Provincial Museum of Alberta
Parks Canada
Oiseaux.net (french)
